May 2015

Gliding on an 82-foot zip line; scaling a 43-foot rock-climbing wall; or sprawling out 136 feet above the sea in a cantilevered whirlpool, Allure of the Seas’ guests will enjoy unique, bird’s-eye views as they sail into some of Europe’s most captivating cities. And having just emerged from an 18-day drydock revitalization, Royal Caribbean International’s Allure of the Seas is even better than ever. The ship that helped redefine cruise vacationing in the Caribbean, is delivering Europe’s must-see cities – such as Barcelona, Marseilles, Pisa and Rome – with a host of new restaurants, suites and staterooms, and name-brand boutiques that combine into an unmatched Europe adventure for the whole family.

New Dining Adventures

With 18 distinct restaurants, Allure of the Seas amps up the flavor with a host of new onboard culinary experiences: 

• Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, a reimagined Izumi Japanese Cuisine, offering a full teppanyaki menu, as well as fresh and flavorful sushi rolls and sashimi;
• Sabor Taqueria & Tequila Bar, featuring a mouthwatering menu of authentic, modern and unexpected Mexican dishes, including hand-made tableside guacamole. These dishes can be complemented by a curated beverage menu of tequilas, mezcal, and Mexican beers, as well as delicious sangrias and tableside-mixed margaritas;
• Coastal Kitchen, an exclusive restaurant for suite guests and Pinnacle members, fuses Mediterranean influences with the unmatched riches of California’s bountiful farmlands. The experience is complemented by a robust wine list, curated specifically for the venue

And, guests onboard Allure of the Seas will continue to enjoy Giovanni’s Table, 150 Central Park and Vintage Wine Bar, among all the popular specialty restaurants introduced on the Oasis class.

New Exclusive Suite Experiences

Royal Caribbean is introducing 10 new suites onboard Allure of the Seas. These suites offer breathtaking views of the ocean or the ship’s signature AquaTheater and Boardwalk neighborhood and include two Royal Suites, six Grand Suites and two Royal Family Suites. These suites offer a new level of sophistication when paired with the variety of new exclusive suite amenities that include a Suite Lounge, an exclusive lounge area for suite guests to relax offering unmatched expansive views of the ship and sea; the Sun Deck, a new sun deck area that gives suites guests the chance to soak-up and relax in the Caribbean sun with lounge furniture, shaded and seating areas and private service; as well as Coastal Kitchen the suites only full-service restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Superior Onboard Shopping

In addition, Allure of the Seas’ guests can shop till they drop with new and exciting onboard boutiques kate spade new york and Michael Kors, in addition to the guest-favorite Coach fine leathers boutique. Guests also have a wide selection of fine jewelry and luxury timepieces in the new Regalia in the Park, Royal Caribbean’s signature duty-free boutique set in the ship’s Central Park neighborhood.

Through October 2015, Allure of the Seas will be homeported at Barcelona, Spain, for the first full Oasis-class Europe season. In November 2015, Allure of the Seas will return to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., alternating seven-night Western and Eastern Caribbean itineraries every Sunday, visiting exciting warm-weather getaways in the Caribbean.

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Celebrity Cruises and Diageo Global Travel Americas have partnered to launch the world's first permanent "World Class™ Bar". The striking bar space onboard Celebrity Eclipse  provides interactive and luxurious drinks experiences created by World Class-certified mixologists.

Celebrity is renowned for its highly skilled and engaging bartenders, and partnering with the world’s leading premium drinks company provides Celebrity's expert mixologists with exclusive menus that feature cutting-edge cocktails - delivering the ultimate high-end drinks experience for vacationers. World Class Bar debuted on Celebrity Eclipse and will soon be followed by bars onboard Celebrity’s four remaining Solstice Class ships.

The curated and exclusive menu features new craft cocktails and a series of "rituals," available only onboard Celebrity, including:

• MYSTIC KETEL ONE^® – a unique ritual serve, this tropical cocktail is made with Ketel One® Vodka. A specially designed kettle cools the mixture of strawberries, pineapple, aloe vera, lime juice, ginger liqueur and Ketel One and releases a vapor.

• ACAPA^® OLD FASHIONED – rich Zacapa^® 23 Rum is mixed with angostura bitters and a dash of chocolate mole for a twist on one of the classics, as Zacapa elevates the “Old Fashioned” to the next level.

• CELEBRITY No. TEN™ – a refreshing cocktail made with unique Tanqueray^® no. Ten™ gin, fresh raspberries, a dash of bitters, lemon juice and crème de violette and topped off with ginger ale.

"Our award-winning culinary program gives guests the opportunity to indulge in new tastes and experiences during their vacation, and the World Class Bar will do this by offering the very best of mixology, custom-created craft cocktails and expert bartenders," said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, President and CEO, Celebrity Cruises. "World Class is at the forefront of contemporary cocktail culture, which is a perfect fit for Celebrity as we continue to bring modern luxury to affluent vacationers."

Doug Bagley, Managing Director, Diageo Global Travel and Middle East, said: "We are delighted to partner with Celebrity Cruises to launch this first, groundbreaking World Class Bar onboard a cruise ship.Celebrity is world-renowned for providing luxurious guest experiences, and this bar will provide exceptional drinking experiences for its guests. It brings to life our World Class ambition to inspire the world to drink better through innovations such as unique ritual serves, and it represents a bold approach to growing the fine-drinking category."

Since 2009, more than 15,000 bartenders have been inspired by and educated in the craft of mixology by World Class, and each year the globally renowned Diageo World Class Bartender of the Year competition showcases some of the best talent in the industry.

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ADVENTURES ABOUND FOR OUTDOOR & NATURE ENTHUSIASTS

ABOARD CRYSTAL CRUISES IN FALL 2015

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Departing from Cádiz, one of the oldest cities in Europe, The Moana sails the scenic Mediterranean coast of Spain, visiting Motril in the Andalucían province of Granada, then Málaga, Spain, capital of the sunny Costa del Sol. Next, is the British stronghold of Gibraltar en route to Portugal. The Moana then calls on Portimão in the Algarve region—with whitewashed villages and almond groves and home to some of the finest beaches in Europe—before venturing to the seaside resort of Cascais, Portugal. The voyage concludes in Lisbon, one of the most beautiful capital cities in the world.

The Moana features 44 luxurious, oceanview staterooms including eight with balconies. Two elegant dining venues incorporate regionally infused cuisine of destinations visited. In the evenings, guests can also savor menu specialties designed by celebrity chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, Chef Propriétaire of the Michelin-rated Restaurant Apicius in Paris. After a day of adventure in port, live piano music and cocktails are offered at night at Le Salon. The ship’s spacious outdoor decks provide stunning views, chaise lounges, a pool, pool bar, whirlpool, and Balinese sun beds. A spa and fitness center are also available aboard The Moana.

Cruise fares start from $1,995 per person, based on double occupancy, for the November 22, 2015, 7-night Cádiz, Spain, to Lisbon, Portugal, sailing. The Moana’s all-inclusive fare offers deluxe oceanview staterooms; all shipboard dining; complimentary beverages including select wines and spirits, beer, soft drinks, bottled water, and hot beverages served throughout the ship; and onboard gratuities for room stewards and dining staff.

For information and reservations for Paul Gauguin Cruises, contact a professional travel agent.

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When Holland America Line’s ms Koningsdam sets sail in April 2016, Captain Emiel de Vries will be in command. Having been with the company since 1997, de Vries rose through the ranks from fourth officer to captain and has been master of ms Amsterdam, ms Eurodam, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, ms Rotterdam and ms Zuiderdam.

De Vries currently lives near Venice, Italy, to be close to the Fincantieri shipyard where ms Koningsdam is being built. He has been involved with the newbuild project since 2014 and participated in the functional design of the navigation bridge — his “office” when he is onboard.

“With his knowledge, experience and dedication, Captain de Vries is the perfect choice to be at the helm when we introduce Koningsdam to the world,” said Orlando Ashford, president of Holland America Line. “Captain de Vries’ leadership and graciousness with both guests and crew will contribute greatly to the success of our new ship.”

Hailing from the Netherlands, de Vries grew up just east of Amsterdam. He graduated from the Hogere Zeevaart School in Amsterdam, one of the oldest nautical schools in the world, with degrees in navigation and engineering. De Vries was introduced to Holland America Line in 1995 when he interned as a cadet on the former ms Noordam, and since joining the company, he has sailed on every class of Holland America Line’s ships.

“It is an honor to be named the first captain of the new Koningsdam, and I know bringing out the ship will be one of the highlights of my career,” said de Vries. “Being at the shipyard has enabled me to gain detailed insight into many areas of the ship, and I look forward to welcoming the first guests on board during the inaugural season.”

When not in Italy at the shipyard, de Vries lives in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, with his wife, Susan, and their daughter.

About ms Koningsdam
When Koningsdam sets sail on its Premier Voyage April 8, 2016, the vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.

Guests will have the opportunity to enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center presented by Food & Wine magazine; a re-designed casual Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunning main dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland America Line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families as well as single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Onboard entertainment will be taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. World Stage brings 270-degree LED projection to the main showroom, enabling new concepts for showtime performances and immersing the audience in a panorama of sight and sound.

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